Quebec Space Attraction To Offer Virtual Missions

The Cosmodome in Laval, Quebec calls itself Canada's only museum dedicated to the understanding of space exploration. A transformation of the attraction will be complete in just days, making it a center that will stimulate interest in space adventure and spark enthusiasm for space. On December 15, it will open the door to a new and unusual concept: a virtual experience of space and methods of space exploration.

Unique in Canada, this museum dedicated to astronautics will present three interactive space missions that are scientific, educational and entertaining. During their 60-minute virtual experience, visitors will take part in a mission of their choice: reliving the conquest of the Moon, embarking on the perilous journey to Mars, or discovering the mysteries of the cosmos by launching a probe.

Everything has been designed to immerse participants in a space station atmosphere. Most of the Cosmodome has been transformed to accommodate a boarding platform that leads to 17 futuristic modules, where the visitors can take part in scenarios that provide a wealth of information and interaction.

The redevelopment of the program for the museum portion of the Cosmodome was launched in 2009, with extensive prior planning by the center’s management. It was completed within the projected budget of $10.5 million, which included grants of $7 million from the Government of Quebec and $3.5 million from the Ville de Laval, owner of the Cosmodome building and the land on which it sits.

In addition to the three virtual space missions, the attraction has also updated its permanent exhibition of artifacts from the conquest of space and still offers its Space Camp for budding astronauts.

"The Cosmodome has been updated to reflect advances in space exploration and new museum practices that will capture the interest of our primary target audience: visitors aged nine to 15, who are fascinated by anything experiential. Of course, we are also targeting families, school groups and even corporate groups. The images, anecdotes and scientific facts presented and the virtual experiences the participants will enjoy have been validated by a scientific committee.

"With the introduction of this new concept, we intend to double our attendance in 2012 and have set ourselves a goal of more than 150,000 visitors," said Sylvain Bélair, the Cosmodome's Executive Director.

FMI: www.cosmodome.org